Modifier, meaning either "very much" or "a large number of." A Bay Area (specifically East Bay) regionalism that dates from the mid-1970s, if not earlier, later popularized by the No Doubt song "Hella Good."
"I met this girl and she was hella fine and I tried to talk to her, but I'd drunk hella beers and was hella wasted." -- Actual quote spoken by East Bay high school student.
by Raider Nation O.G. May 2, 2006

San Francisco Bay Area Slang. First became widely used during the early 1980's.
Became more mainstream after the band No Doubt's song entitled, "Hella Good" was released.
The term is shortened from "hell of" and most likely derived from "a hell of a lot of"
Became more mainstream after the band No Doubt's song entitled, "Hella Good" was released.
The term is shortened from "hell of" and most likely derived from "a hell of a lot of"
by Aeronius July 29, 2008

A word that many undereducated people argue over the originations of. A vast majority of people don't realize it's a hella waste of time, and that no one gives a shit. Some would even argue that 'hella' spawned from hell itself as a mind-numbing reminder of Satan's evergrowing control of human souls and the stupidity of mankind.
by The Luam August 28, 2007

Contrary to popular belief, "hella", as used in the sense of being something that is "very" something, is not a real word.
by Probuggy November 2, 2006

by T January 1, 2004

An adjective/adverb that can be used in place of the word "very" or "a lot." It is commonly used by Californians.
by hellabrian June 28, 2010
